Movie nights are always special for every one of us. For the kids, it’s a night filled with colours, stories, and snacks. Who doesn’t love a good story? And there are so many options available to pick from that you can enjoy literally anything – be it your usual once-upon-a-time type folk tales, The Baby’s Day Out-esque comedies, or some insightful anime that the kids are going to fall in love with.
However, too many options may also leave you feeling overwhelmed. It’s always hard picking out the right watch. So, here are 16 films that are best suited for a family watch. Whether you want to roll on the floor laughing or have some really deep conversations after the film ends, we have got you covered.
There are a whole set of classics you can watch with your children. These include musicals, fairy tales, moral stories, Disney films, animated characters, and several other feel-good, happy films. Almost all such films feel like a warm hug that your family shares.
Not all anime, classics and musicals are kid-friendly. While all fairytales are designed for children to enjoy, you need to focus and pick the right ones in the remaining categories for the best movies to watch with children. There are several light-hearted animes that are perfect for family viewing. With animes though, you get the best of both worlds. There are feel-good stories that suit both the kids and the parents as they offer an in-depth perspective but on a lighter, joyful note. Since the anime world also looks colorful like the dollhouses but is more realistic and relatable, it is one of the best genres for a family-friendly watch.
Of course, the to-be-watched movie list will remain incomplete without the beloved, classic anime The Lion King. It is about Simba, a cub, who is the next heir. However, a kingdom and succession don’t happen quite smoothly, right? Be it the lions or the humans, the fight for power is universal.
Up for some fairytale-inspired stories? The Princess and the Frog is a good start. Not many need an introduction to the story of a princess meeting a frog. The film is known for its music and has a really engaging screenplay.
Watch this comedy adventure with your kids where Kevin, a young boy, is left alone as the rest of the huge family go on a Christmas trip. At first, Kevin rejoices that he’s left alone in his home but when a few invaders break in, he gears up to take them down.
There are several movies for children that the parents might get bored of and there are movies for adults that the kids may not understand. However, there are a few collections that just fit right for everyone, giving them a sense of comfort that they crave. Inside Out 1 and 2 are two such films that give joy to the kids and satisfaction to the adults. With the usual anime method of softening the characters, Inside Out 1 and 2 offers many beautiful life lessons. It’s a film that captures what happens within our minds. Riley is a kid going through life and the different experiences it offers, but how does she deal with several new emotions? It’s such a ride and you must definitely watch it with your kids.
Our children are growing every day and letting them learn a few things while enjoying a watch is quite a plan. Soul is yet another anime that deals with some deep concepts but in a simple, beautiful way. It’s about the afterlife, heaven, and finding a sense of purpose here on earth, but it’s told through the eyes of an unborn soul that’s trying to find its spark to live. It’s mostly filled with beautiful sky-blue hues and is centred around a musician, so it offers a pleasant experience to both eyes and ears.
True Spirit is more for a teen kid or a preteen one. Adventures are what these kids love at such an age and what’s more inspiring than watching a 16-year-old girl sail around the world alone and unassisted? A journey so daring often leaves the children with more confidence, hope and a curiosity to achieve their dreams. They have their struggles and the True Spirit will for sure lift their spirits.
Space and children might sound like juxtaposed words but the curiosity of the child and the ample things that a space can offer is a perfect match. With some factual information, this fictional tale of the Apollo moon landing is shown through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy. The time is a little dated, the film is set in 1969. However, the animation classic looks and feels timeless, and its humour never goes out of trend. A night on the moon can never be this comfy and fun, so jump right in.
This adventure animated film has more action going on. If you’re looking for something fun, The Sea Beast is right behind you. Sea captains fight some huge sea characters in this film, where a beast hunter is on his way to fulfill a mission.
Sherlock Holmes is of course everyone’s favorite but so is our underrated Enola Holmes, the youngest in the family. She carries the wits of her brothers and is out there trying to solve another mystery. The siblings cross paths and realise there’s more power to the combined talents and take on a thrilling journey. With new findings and clues, they also learn to work together.
Hayao Miyazaki’s works are mostly suited for a family watch with children. In Kiki’s Delivery Service, a young witch finds herself in an urban scenario, clueless and powerful. But what’s life without some adventures? So, she goes on to discover how things work, while enjoying the magical pleasures. There’s so much one would take back from this film. If and when your kids love Kiki’s Delivery Service, you can go on to introduce them to the unique world of Miyazaki – some of the other films you could try are Spirited Away and Whisperer of the Heart, among many others. Self-discovery, magic and feel-good find a nest to co-exist in Miyazaki’s works.
This is another no-brainer option for movies to watch with parents. It’s as cute and simple a story can get. Nemo, as the title suggests, goes missing and Marlin, the clownfish takes it upon himself to find Nemo. There’s so much under the sea than we explore above it, and the two take on different journeys to find their way back. Nemo’s struggle also ensures your kid realises the essence of home. Let’s let the fish do all the talking, shall we?
Harry Potter is any day a right pick for a movie night. Kids would love this fantasy world where there is an intriguing mix of witchcraft and wizards. The world is also unique and will draw the interests of the children. When Harry Potter, a young kid finds that he has powers, he goes to the school for children with such magical skills. It leads him to a myriad of adventures, new friends and lots of learning.
This sparkling anime is filled with so many songs – it’s a film about a music-obsessed kid. In a family that does not like music, he struggles to stand by his passion and be together with the family. With a glimpse of the Mexican culture, the film is a perfect family watch because of the way it portrays life, family and passion.
Among the must-watch kids' movies is this book-to-movie adaptation, The Wizard of Oz. There is an interesting mix of colours, some wonderful songs and of course, flying monkeys. It goes on to talk about an interesting adventure that leads the way back to home, because is there even a better place than one’s home?
If you think your kids are ready for some alien invasion in an interesting way, the Steven Spielberg film makes for a perfect watch. When a boy meets an alien, they bond and become good friends. How did the alien come to the planet? What does it do with the boy and how does it find its way back? All and more questions are answered in this fun, emotional rollercoaster ride which is as magical as an alien film can get.
Although mentioned last in the list, it’s one of the most obvious and easy choices for parents. Frozen has a fanbase of its own. Elsa is someone a lot of kids look up to and if you want to end a day on a better, soothing note, it’s Frozen time any day. Elsa has some chilling powers in her hand that make any place she touches turn cold. But can she make better use of this sensitive yet powerful magic?
Most of the films that you can watch with your kids offer a lot of insight into finding oneself and their passion. While you are always there to guide them in this journey, it’s quite important to enrol them in the best school where they get the space to explore their interests. The Premia Academy is the best school in Hyderabad and offers CBSE and Cambridge curriculum. There are also several facilities to pursue their other hobbies and passions while getting to learn following the best educational systems in the world.
A family movie night is very special for the kids and sometimes you can give them a couple of options and choose their favourite. As you go through the list, you might also probably wonder why you need to know so much before picking movies to watch with kids. Every child is slowly developing, grasping and understanding the events that are happening around them. Therefore, everything they hear, watch and come across affects them in some way. When you give them company to enjoy a night watching a film or a show, they believe it’s something good and fun. Thus, it’s important to choose the kind of movies that are good and enjoyable for the kids, and probably also offer some learning that they would love to follow.
